The Word

Thoughts and news. All about the language of brands.

FEATURED POST

Why AI Stinks for Brand Naming — Part 1 of a Series
We like AI.We use AI. We talk to AI more than is probably healthy.But after watching hundreds of teams try to name...
By Scott Milano ●Naming ● Naming Hot Takes
February 5th, 2026

RECENT POSTS

Tanj Continues as a Clutch Global Leader for Naming in 2025

We’re proud to start 2025 recognized once again as a Clutch Global Leader for Naming.This continued recognition from...
By Jill Stanewick ●News ● Press
November 7th, 2025

Naming Insights for CMOs

You already know the checklist: clear, memorable, trademarkable. But let's be honest — that's not what...
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming ● Naming Hot Takes
November 6th, 2025

In the New: Scott Milano Talks Philosophy of Naming on the Branderman Podcast

Our very own Scott Milano has a philosophical conversation about naming with Hernán Braberman on his podcast,...
By Jill Stanewick ●News ● Naming ● Naming Trends ● Naming Hot Takes ● Uncommon Inspiration ● Press
November 3rd, 2025

Word Games Every Startup Should Use for Naming

Startups run on experimentation, right? Your naming process should too. When your first batch of ideas feels flat,...
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming ● Uncommon Inspiration
November 3rd, 2025

Brand Naming Insights for CEOs

Every CEO knows the basics. Make it memorable, make sure you can trademark it, don't pick something stupid. But...
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming ● Naming Hot Takes
November 1st, 2025

How Startup Teams Get Unstuck When Naming

When you're building at startup speed, naming feels like one more thing competing for time you don't have....
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming ● Uncommon Inspiration
October 28th, 2025

Brand Naming Insights for Innovation Teams

Innovation teams operate at breakneck speed. You're building the future, solving hard problems, pushing into...
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming ● Naming Trends
October 28th, 2025

New Guide: Brand Name Launch Checklist

Launching a new name is one of the most thrilling and nerve-racking moments in a brand’s journey. Before you make it...
By Scott Milano ●Naming ● Naming Tools
October 27th, 2025

The Role of Research To Enhance Your Brand Naming Process

Great names don’t come out of thin air. You might be surprised at the amount of research that goes on behind the...
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming ● Brand Research
September 12th, 2025
In-the-news

Tanj Founder — Scott Milano — Speaks to Fast Company About the DOD Renaming

Tanj Founder & Managing Director, Scott Milano, was featured in a recent Fast Company article on the renaming of...
By Jill Stanewick ●News ● Naming ● Naming Hot Takes ● Branding
September 10th, 2025

How to Use AI to Spark Naming Ideas (Without Falling Into the Generic Trap)

Artificial intelligence is everywhere right now. From drafting emails to designing logos to writing code, it’s...
By Jill Stanewick
September 5th, 2025

How to Create a Name That Will Grow with Your Brand

Your brand name isn’t just for launch day. It’s for year five, year ten, and beyond.A strong name should do more than...
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming
September 4th, 2025

What Makes a Naming Project Successful (Tips from a Pro Agency)

A great name can launch a brand into culture. A weak one? It can sink momentum before you even get started.At Tanj,...
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming
September 3rd, 2025

Why Naming Is More Than Just Wordplay (It’s Business Strategy)

We hear it all the time: “Wait, naming is a JOB?” People often assume naming is like a creative parlor trick — a...
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming
August 13th, 2025

Naming Agency vs. Freelance Namer vs. In-House: What’s Best for Naming?

When it’s time to name your brand, product, or company, the decision to go with a naming agency, freelancer, or...
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming
August 12th, 2025

In the News: Tanj Talks Product Naming in Branders Magazine

I’m excited to share my latest piece in Branders Magazine, where I break down why a strong product name is one of the...
By Scott Milano ●Press ● Naming
August 8th, 2025

Big Names in Naming: An Interview with Naming Expert Scott Milano

Our very own Scott Milano sat down with Caitlin Barrett to discuss all things naming on the latest episode of the Big...
By Jill Stanewick ●Press ● News ● Naming Hot Takes
July 31st, 2025

Naming and Design: A Creative Partnership in Brand Building

Too often, branding is thought of as the visual stuff. Logo, colors, look and feel. But naming is branding,...
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming ● Branding
July 17th, 2025